Go Back
–+ servings
how to defrost frozen fish great recipe

How to Defrost Frozen Fish (Quickly!)

Jenni Cole
Learn how to thaw frozen fish quickly AND safely whether you're trying to defrost frozen fish like cod, salmon, or any other type of frozen fish pieces or fillets. We show you how to thaw it in the microwave or thaw it on the counter in water.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Seafood
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 54 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb+ frozen fish pieces salmon, cod, etc

Instructions
 

Thaw in Water on Counter

  • If you're using flash-frozen fish pieces you'll want to remove the packaging before you defrost the fish.
  • Place the frozen fish into a gallon size sealable plastic bag. Make sure it's closed all the way because you don't want water to seep inside the bag. Place the frozen fish pieces into a bowl and add cold water to cover the fish. Leave the bowl on your kitchen counter.
  • Every 30 minutes replace the cold water and flip the fish over. It took our fish pieces about 1 hour to completely defrost on the counter in cold water.
  • Your salmon or cod pieces are now ready to cook for dinner or to be used in your favorite recipes!

Thaw in Microwave

  • Place the frozen cod, salmon, or other types of frozen fish on a microwave safe plate. Cover the fish with a paper towel or a microwave safe cover.
  • Set the Power setting to 30%.
  • Microwave the fish in 30 second increments, which will take about 3-5 minutes in total depending on the size of the fillets and the thickness.
  • Be sure to turn the fish by flipping and rotating it every 30 seconds so that it defrosts evenly.
  • Remove the fish from the microwave when it's JUST thawed throughout, the fish will continue defrosting due to the residual heat.
  • Use the fish pieces of fillets immediately in your favorite seafood recipe. Enjoy!

Notes

Our frozen fish pieces weighed about 6-7 oz each.
Do NOT defrost frozen fish that is in vacuum sealed packaging without removing the packaging first. It'll separate the fish pieces as it expands during the defrost (trust us, we already made this mistake in the past!)
This method will work with any type of frozen fish pieces or thin whole fish fillets. The key is to place the fish in a water proof plastic bag and to change the water frequently.
Do not leave the fish on the counter at room temperature longer than it needs to be and cook the fish immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 54kcalProtein: 11gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 24mg
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!